Candleberry Inn, Brewster MA: Tops on Cape Cod

Candleberry Inn, Brewster MA

Time on Cape Cod seems to move at a glacial pace. Sure, new inns and restaurants open and close, especially in Provincetown –the most hyper of Cape towns.

Front parlor Candleberry Inn Cape Cod MA

But in most areas of this flexed arm of an island, the prospect of change spurs much debate. For the most part, seasonal and weekend visitors like things the way they are. A favorite crab shack; favorite restaurant; favorite beach; a favorite hotel or inn.

Candleberry Inn landscape Cape Cod MA

So, when an inn changes hands, and the current owners make it sort of the same but way better, well, you can imagine the joy. Which is the story of the Candleberry Inn in Brewster MA – currently, and for good reason, rated #1 Inn on the Cape.

In 2016, Marco Di Domizio and Angelo Ferraro purchased the circa 1790 home (with 1810 addition), which had been operating as an inn since the 1940’s, after staying at over 30 B&B’s to “see what worked and what didn’t work.”

Candleberry Inn front door Brewster MA

They immediately set about installing central air conditioning, and updating bathrooms to luxury standards: placing their own beloved artifacts and antiques in all nine elegant rooms, including three more “beach house” types in the Carriage House.

Candleberry Inn backyard Brewster MA

Outside, they cleared much of the vast property, tidied raised flowerbeds, and placed seating under shade trees. Their hard work paid off – with Candleberry Inn earning a place on the Select Registry of North American Inns.

Welcome to Candleberry Inn

Welcome To Your Room at Candleberry Inn

Former advertising guy, Marco, and Classical Architect, Angelo, welcome guests warmly, and deliciously – with a freshly baked goodie and chocolate on the bed.

Guest Room 9 Candleberry Inn Cape Cod

My guest chamber, #9 – the Copeland Room – a sanctuary in yolk-yellow, is near the front door. An oriental rug covers original 1810 wide-plank floors. Newly upholstered armchairs made for a comfy workspace. And, OMG, there’s a wireless phone charger on the catchall side table. I’d never seen that before – even in a 5-Star hotel.

Carriage House Room Candleberry Inn MA

Each room is furnished with eclectic antiques. Mine featured an old Singer Sewing machine that had belonged to Marco’s grandmother. The ornately carved arched mirror on a chest-of-drawers, “mirroring” Angelo’s painting of a European church, hangs out over the gas fireplace. I felt a sense of comfort and serenity in the symmetry.

Breakfast Room Candleberry Inn Brewster MA

Breakfast at Candleberry Inn

It was a bit cool in early May, so I chose to eat breakfast in the dining room, which was nearly the whole of the original 1790 house. Other guests braved the weather and sat outside on the patio, or on the gorgeously landscaped property.

Panna Cotta Raspberry Coulis Breakfast Candleberry Inn MA

Angelo is chef extraordinaire. Courses are announced (and posted) as in a fine restaurant, and the food measures up, plus some. My morning meal began with Panna Cotta, topped with raspberry coulis and fresh mixed berries.

Eggs in Shirt breakfast Candleberry Inn MA

This pretty dish was followed by “Eggs in a Shirt” – poached eggs and two slices of crispy bacon plus shaved parmesan cheese assembled over rustic bread, to look like a bowtie on a shirt. Cute. And amazingly scrumptious.

Rooms from $199-$509+ per night (depending on season and day of week) include parking, wifi, a welcome treat, bottled water, 24/7 coffee, and gourmet multi-course breakfast for two.

You’ll find much more to do in the surrounding towns on this Dennis to Eastham Getaway Mavens Post. And, in Brewster MA itself.

Want wilder vibes? Head to Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod.

The Candleberry Inn made it onto our 20 Best Romantic Hotels Northeast USA 2021 post.

Author

  • Malerie Yolen-Cohen

    Malerie Yolen-Cohen is the Author of the cross-country travel guide, Stay On Route 6; Your Guide to All 3562 Miles of Transcontinental Route 6. She contributes frequently to Newsday, with credits in National Geographic Traveler, Ladies Home Journal, Yankee Magazine, Shape.com, Sierra Magazine, Porthole, Paddler, New England Boating, Huffington Post, and dozens of other publications. Malerie’s focus and specialty is Northeastern US, and she is constantly amazed by the caliber of restaurants and lodging in the unlikeliest places.

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